The market today is flooded with used cars imported from abroad, and many of these vehicles come with electronic vehicle passports. For buyers, a key question often comes up: is it possible to get a paper title for such a car, and if so, how can one obtain it? The reality is that in many regions the traditional paper passport is no longer issued, which can stir confusion and concern for buyers who want a tangible document that proves ownership and vehicle history. Understanding how the electronic system works is essential for anyone purchasing an imported vehicle, especially for those who plan to register the car, sell it later, or simply want a straightforward record of the car’s official details. The good news is that you can access an official paperless record, but it comes in a different format than the old paper title and requires following established steps to obtain a formal extract from the electronic passport.
Under the Eurasian Economic Union agreement affecting Russia, Armenia, Belarus, Kyrgyzstan, and Kazakhstan, the paper vehicle passport ceased to be issued on the Russian Federation territory starting November 1, 2020. This change means a traditional paper title is not available. However, buyers and owners still retain a reliable option: an extract from the vehicle’s electronic passport. To obtain this extract, one can approach a multifunctional center for the provision of state and municipal services, or use the official portal of the electronic passport system at portal.elpts.ru. The service is paid, but it provides an authoritative, verifiable record that can be used for registration, proof of ownership, and transfer of the vehicle in official processes. The extract contains key identifiers such as the vehicle identification number, basic technical specifications, and ownership details, offering a trustworthy alternative to the paper title. The process is designed to be accessible and standardized, ensuring that buyers can move forward with confidence when dealing with imported vehicles that carry electronic documentation. In practical terms, this means that while a paper title is not issued, a legally recognized electronic record can be retrieved and presented in administrative and legal contexts when required, providing continuity and clarity for buyers and sellers alike.